Common Vision
Problems

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP)

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited
diseases developing inside the pigmented area of the retina
of the eye. They tend to become apparent between age 10 and
30, although some types of retinitis pigmentosa occur in
childhood or later in life. Vision changes include night
blindness, loss of side vision, and "tunnel vision.

The most common symptom of retinitis pigmentosa is a personal history of visual
problems at dusk or in low light. This problem cannot be helped by corrective
lenses, however, because the retina itself is deteriorating. Your optometrist
can help you adapt to living with retinitis pigmentosa.

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and information, and is no substitute for the advice of
your optometrist. This information is provided courtesy
of the British Columbia Association of Optometrists (B.C.A.O.).
The B.C.A.O. assumes no responsibility or liability arising
from any errors or omissions or from the use of any information
contained herein.